Rodent models, from breeding to in vivo studies

It supports projects from model provision to experimental monitoring, in environments suited to the project’s health status, biological constraints and containment level.

Studies can use conventional, SPF and/or genetically modified models and address infectious diseases, immunology, microbiota, physiology, behaviour or other questions compatible with the infrastructure’s capabilities.

Production, breeding and housing

IERP produces, breeds and houses rodent models for internal or collaborative projects.

Depending on the project, support may include:

• management of breeding groups and colonies
• animal production for a study
• strain maintenance and monitoring
• experimental housing
• cohort organisation
• traceability and health monitoring
• animal preparation before the study

Environments suited to the project’s health status

The facility includes areas suited to SPF or conventional animals and supports the housing and experimental use of genetically modified strains. Dedicated areas allow studies at NSB2 containment level when required by the project.

Animal movements, housing and study organisation are adapted to the project’s health and experimental constraints.

Genetically modified strains

IERP produces, breeds, houses and monitors more than 50 genetically modified mouse strains.

Strain management is assessed according to health and genetic status, origin, intended use and associated regulatory constraints.

→ Ask us about a strain or model

In vivo studies and tailored models

The rodent facility can contribute to defining and conducting studies using established models or requiring experimental adaptation. At an early stage, the team can help consider model selection, the relevance of procedures and measurements to include, before agreeing an achievable scope with the project lead.

Depending on the scientific question, support may include:

• support in selecting or adapting the model
• cohort preparation
• experimental procedures
• administration and sampling
• longitudinal monitoring
• sample collection
• incorporation of functional phenotyping measurements

IERP develops infectious and inflammatory models to study interactions between the host, microorganisms and the environment.

Working at NSB2 containment level

Studies requiring NSB2 containment can be conducted in the rodent facility when the model, biological agent, procedures and regulatory framework are compatible with the available facilities.

Projects involving biological agents or GMOs are assessed during feasibility review before any experimental work is scheduled. The team can help the project lead identify biosafety constraints, define technical requirements and prepare information for regulatory scoping, while respecting the project’s scientific responsibilities.

Monitoring and characterising the phenotype

Rodent studies can incorporate functional phenotyping and imaging approaches to obtain longitudinal measurements or data complementary to conventional observations.

Available capabilities include mouse behavioural tests monitored with EthoVision (open field, object recognition, mazes, rotarod, beam walking and grip strength testing, according to requirements), plethysmography and FlexiVent. Micro-ultrasound can be provided in collaboration with the CIMA platform, according to project-specific arrangements.

Projects requiring more detailed characterisation can also use the functional phenotyping platform’s imaging and analysis capabilities.

→ Explore functional phenotyping

Rodent facility capacity

2026 key figures

Building your rodent project

For an initial discussion, tell us about:

• your scientific question
• the proposed species and strain
• the known health status
• the type of study
• any constraints associated with a biological agent or GMO
• the main measurements required
• your timeline

You do not need to have defined the entire protocol before contacting us.